Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of warmth, family, and abundance. Recognizing that not all Sacramento families share the same fortune, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom dedicated their time to volunteering at the River City Food Bank. Joining Sacramento State students, they worked diligently to package Thanksgiving meals, ensuring that families in need could also experience the joy of the holiday.
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Volunteering with Sacramento State Students at River City Food Bank for Thanksgiving Meal Prep
“Thanksgiving offers us a moment to appreciate our loved ones and the good things in our lives. It’s also a crucial time to support our community,” stated Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom. Their actions underscore a core Californian value: unity and mutual support, especially for those facing hardship.
River City Food Bank: A Sacramento Pillar of Support
River City Food Bank stands as a testament to Sacramento’s community spirit. Established in 1968, it holds the distinction of being Sacramento’s oldest continuously operating food bank. Originating from a small church food closet, the Sacramento Food Bank, also known as RCFB, has expanded dramatically to meet the growing needs of the region. Today, it serves nearly 231,000 individuals annually in Sacramento County, encompassing a wide range of vulnerable populations. From children and families to seniors, refugees, the homeless, and veterans, River City Food Bank provides a vital lifeline for anyone experiencing food insecurity in Sacramento.
This Sacramento food bank operates five days a week, offering consistent support to those in need. The scale of their operation is remarkable. In 2020 alone, River City Food Bank distributed an astounding 2 million meals to over 230,000 individuals. This represented a 30% surge in demand compared to the previous year, highlighting the escalating challenges of food insecurity, even before considering more recent economic pressures. This Sacramento institution relies heavily on community support, with 1,654 volunteers contributing over 18,615 hours in 2020, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective action in addressing hunger in Sacramento.
Close-up of Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom Packaging Thanksgiving Food Boxes at Sacramento's River City Food Bank
Holiday Season: A Critical Time for Food Banks
Food banks, including the Sacramento Food Bank, experience peak demand during the holiday season. The Thanksgiving and Christmas periods often bring increased financial strain for families already struggling, making food assistance even more critical. The pandemic further exacerbated food insecurity, leading to an unprecedented rise in the need for food bank services and volunteer support nationwide.
Recognizing this heightened need, Governor Newsom’s volunteer effort serves as a call to action for all Californians. Every individual can contribute to alleviating hunger this holiday season. Whether it’s volunteering time at a local food bank like the River City Food Bank in Sacramento, donating food items, or making a financial contribution to a nonprofit, every act of giving makes a difference. To discover volunteer opportunities in your area, Californians are encouraged to visit californiansforall.ca.gov.
This Thanksgiving, consider joining Governor Newsom in supporting the Sacramento Food Bank and similar organizations. By extending a helping hand, we can collectively ensure that more families in Sacramento and beyond have access to the food they need, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
